Volunteer policy

Chapter is an international centre for contemporary arts and culture, rooted in the heart of Cardiff, Wales. Established by artists in 1971 to celebrate experimentation and radical thought, we’ve been a catalyst for creativity and critical thinking ever since.

Chapter’s Mission

We commission and present thought-provoking exhibitions, films, performances and multidisciplinary events by established and emerging contemporary artists who expand our worldview and challenge the status quo. Embracing multiple and diverse perspectives, risk-taking and experimentation, our programme encourages conversations that cross boundaries and disciplines.

The artists we work with actively engage with the critical questions and issues that shape our present and we foster dialogue between audiences and artists through a public programme that provides opportunities to connect through our histories, the way we live now and how we might imagine new futures. 

Our approach is collaborative, foregrounding projects that have shared purpose and prioritising social and cultural equity. We advocate for communities and artists as world builders. 

Alongside our expansive public programme, we work behind the scenes to support the creative community in our 50+ studios and beyond, bringing people together to encourage ideas and collective agency. 

We believe in equitable access to culture and that art has the power to connect us all in dialogue around diverse experiences and shared aspirations, support health and wellbeing and contribute to a more curious and cohesive society. 

Purpose of our Volunteer Policy

Our Volunteer Policy has been created to demonstrate that we’ve spent time and care in planning how volunteers will be welcomed to Chapter. It also outlines that all volunteers will be treated in a fair and consistent way. It should also help our volunteers understand what support is available to them and what they can expect from us.

The policy clearly sets out the principles of volunteering at Chapter and how this will be delivered and managed.

Principles of Volunteering at Chapter

The Board of Trustees, Directors and staff recognise that volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the delivery of our Mission, Vision and Values and greatly value their contributions.

The definition of a volunteer is someone who freely offers their time, experience and skills through personal choice and without expectation of financial reward for the mutual benefit of the volunteer and organisation.

Volunteers do not perform the same role as paid staff but co-operate with them to deliver our Mission, expand their experience and expertise and attend to our audiences. Volunteers enhance the experience of audience members and staff and add an additional dimension to the organisation. Volunteers act as ambassadors of Chapter developing and strengthening relationships with our local communities and audiences.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

Chapter is committed to promoting equal opportunities and diversity through its work with volunteers in line with its Equal Opportunities Policy, Code of Conduct and Anti Racism Action Plan.

Volunteering roles are suitable for people who: 

• Are aged 18+ 
• Agree to sign up to the principles of the organisational Code of Conduct
• Can agree to a commitment level of 2 shifts per month 

Recruitment and Selection

The recruitment process for volunteers is fair and consistent with that of paid staff. Prospective volunteers are asked to complete a simple application form which will request contact information for 2 referees, a commitment to volunteering within the principles of our organisational Code of Conduct and an equal opportunities form.

The application forms part of the selection process for shortlisting potential volunteers. Once selected shortlisted candidates will be invited to undertake a group interview. References are contacted during the selection process.

There will be a trial period of four weeks to give Chapter and the volunteer time to discover if they’re suited to each other. A review will be made midway through the trial period and at the end. This is not an assessment; it’s just so that both Chapter and the volunteer can be sure that the relationship is working well for both parties.

Support and Supervision

To ensure that volunteers are appropriately supported and confident in their role they will be supervised operationally by two Duty Managers, and line managed by the Head of Visitor Services. There’s a dedicated email address [email protected] which volunteers can use for any queries. This is monitored regularly by the Duty Manager Team.

Some volunteer roles will require a DBS check to inform Chapter of any criminal convictions that a person wishing to volunteer may have. For example, any volunteer position which involves regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults will be subject to a DBS check.

Task Descriptions

The tasks volunteers undertake are largely comprised of ushering performances, but at times can include other tasks. The specifics of ushering performances are detailed in the Volunteer Handbook. For volunteer tasks falling outside of ushering, the nature of the tasks will be made clear at the point that the signing up sheet is sent out, and an additional short briefing by the Duty Manager will take place before duties commence on shift. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and, if appropriate, amend duties to suit the volunteer or organisation. 

Time Commitment 

Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of two shifts per month. If there’s a reason why this wouldn’t be possible this can be considered by the Head of Visitor Services and an alternative arrangement made if agreeable both to the volunteer and Chapter.

Induction and Training

All new volunteers will receive an invitation to attend an induction training session before they undertake any duties as a Chapter volunteer.

Volunteers will attend further training to upkeep and develop skills and keep abreast of Chapter’s policies and practices.

Health, Safety and Insurance

Volunteers are required to behave in accordance with Chapter’s Health & Safety and Safeguarding Policies, and the Code of Conduct and read and sign these along with the Volunteer Handbook to form a Volunteer Agreement prior to commencing any duties. The Volunteer Agreement is in honour system only and does not form an employment contract.

Volunteers are expected to attend mock evacuation training and report any first aid, incidents or health and safety concerns to the Duty Managers who are all trained first aiders and responsible for the Health and Safety of the venue.

 Volunteers are covered by Chapter’s Public Liability Insurance.

Boundaries and Expectations

Volunteers are expected to carry out the task identified and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner in line with our organisational Code of Conduct.

If unable to fulfil commitments (ie when signed up to a shift) volunteers should contact Chapter 48 hours in advance. Full details outlining this procedure can be found in the Volunteer Handbook. 

Although volunteering should not have any impact on benefits received, volunteers should inform benefit agencies about their volunteering work. 

We expect all volunteers to adhere to confidentiality guidelines which will be explained to you before you begin volunteering with us and this also includes use of social media and contact with any press.

Problem Solving Procedure

Although Chapter will make every effort to ensure that the volunteer experience is positive and rewarding, we recognise that there are occasions when volunteers may wish to raise concerns. Volunteers have the right to raise any volunteering-related matter, for example regarding another volunteer, a member of the paid staff or their role. They should first discuss the issue informally with the Duty Manager. If the Duty Manager is the person who the concern involves, then the matter should be referred to the Head of Visitor Services.

Chapter aims to resolve any problems quickly and amicably. If a member of staff raises a concern relating to a volunteer, the matter will once again be raised first informally with the Duty Manager.

We’ll look at what additional support might be required or if a task can be carried out in a different way. 

Where a problem can’t be resolved, or it’s deemed a serious breach of conduct, we may advise the individual that they are no longer a volunteer. All matters relating to complaints by or about volunteers will be treated in confidence. 

Hospitality and Benefits 

All volunteers receive a discount card which, when presented in the café bar, permits them 10% off food and drink. This discount is available to volunteers only and is not transferable. 

Volunteers receive two free cinema tickets per month in addition to any performances they may see during the course of their duties. Volunteers can accrue and redeem Tempo Time Credits. 

The full details relating to this can be found in the Volunteer Handbook. 

Volunteers will be invited to various social events throughout the year such as our Staff, Studio Associates and Volunteer film screenings.

Key Contacts

Duty Manager team
[email protected]
07838 194 469 

Head of Visitor Services 
Hope Radford
[email protected]